BCCI officials, who are aware of the development, say they will ask Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to request Dalmiya to step down.

In case Dalmiya steps down, Maharashtra Cricket Association president Ajay Shirke, who has served as the board’s treasurer before, could emerge as one of the strong candidates for the post, said sources.

“Technically, Anurag (Thakur) is working both as president and secretary in BCCI at the moment. An institution like the BCCI needs someone who is completely fit. We all know what Dalmiya has done for Indian cricket, but looking at his health, we all feel he should step down. The BCCI will be hosting the ICC T20 World Cup next year and there are many more important decisions to be taken in the months to come,” a senior BCCI offical told The Indian Express.

Many board members were surprised after Dalmiya’s son Avishek recently started looking after the BCCI’s day-to-day affairs. Those who attended the working committee meeting of the board in Kolkata a few weeks ago felt sorry for Dalmiya’s health, said officials.

As per the BCCI rules, the president’s term is for three years — a new president can take over only if the current chief steps down and fresh elections are called for.

But sources said only Jaitley can make Dalmiya step down.

“Dalmiya will only listen to Jaitley. Even before the last elections, Dalmiya had made it clear that he would follow whatever Jaitley said,” sources said.

Shirke, who is considered close to NCP chief Sharad Pawar, has a clean image and is well-respected among all board members.